Levels of government

There are 3 levels of government in Australia--- Australian (Federal), State or Territory, and Local. Each level has different responsibilities and provides different services, which sometimes overlap.

Australian government

The Australian or Federal Government is Australia's national government. It implements laws made by the Parliament of Australia.

The responsibilities of governments are generally set out by the Australian Constitution. These include national matters such as external trade and commerce, quarantine, currency, patents, marriage, immigration, defence, telecommunications, and the provision of welfare and other assistance payments.

Income tax and the collection of various levies and excise (including on tobacco, alcohol and fuel and customs duties) are also a Federal responsibility.

The Australian Government administers assistance programs such as Medicare and a range of programs administered by Centrelink.

The Australian Government’s portal website can provide more detailed information.

State and Territory governments

Other matters not provided under the Australian Constitution as a Federal responsibility are the responsibility of the states.

The two mainland Australian territories---the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory---are self-governed and have similar responsibilities to the states.

The States and Territories are responsible for provincial matters such as policing, public schools, roads and traffic, public hospitals (through an agreement with the Australian Government), public housing, and business regulation.

The States and Territories and the Australian Government also cooperate where a national approach is needed on matters such as policing, health and food safety. Here, governments at both levels work together to ensure laws and services in every state and territory are consistent.

You can find more information on the roles of State and Territory governments from their portal website.

Local government

Local governments assist the states and the Northern Territory. There is no local government in the Australian Capital Territory. The Territory government has responsibility for local government matters.

Local governments can be in the form of a city or town council or a shire. They are responsible for town planning, building approvals, local roads, parking, public libraries, public toilets, water and sewerage, waste removal, domestic animals and community facilities.

Local taxes (called rates) are collected from home owners based on the value of their home. These taxes are used to pay for the services provided. Local governments also collect parking fees.

More information about Local government is available from the Australian Local Government Association website.